I'm after some advise on how to be more successful at kayak fishing now the summer is drawing to a close.

I've done a bit of paddling and recently decided I'd like to try the odd bit of fishing while I'm out on my boat, so bought myself a handline. The first time I got two codling and four mackerel, only one of which was big enough to keep, but it made a tasty dinner that night. Great, this seems easy! I went out this afternoon and in three hours got one mackerel, which looked a good size, but got off the hook just before I could get it aboard, and one tiny codling.

I know almost nothing about fishing and have just been dropping the line until it reaches the bottom, then winding it in a few turns and jiggling it about a bit. I've also tried trolling. The line has three feathers and I added a couple of coloured rubber tube lure thingies that came with it (you can tell I don't know much about fishing!) as a friend told me the mackerel season is coming to an end so I thought I'd try catching something else. Can anyone advise what is bet to fish for this time of year and if there are any techniques for catching them other then jiggling the line (i.e. what depth, a sandy bottom, a rocky bottom, any particular state of tide)? Should I switch to using bait rather than a lure?

I'm currently 'camper-vanning' up the west coast of Scotland with my fishing kayak on board and just spent a week and a half down on the Mull of Galloway, before moving up to Bunree, just south of Fort William. I've had a few mackerel and loads of smaller pollock and codling, but nothing to write home about.
I bought a new rod & reel at Stranraer, just before heading up here, but I haven't had a chance to try them on Loch Linnhe yet.

I've managed to get a couple of local paddles in, with my mate, but struggled to keep up with his sea kayak. We've got a paddle planned for tomorrow, then he's heading home Friday.

I'm leaving here Sunday with a very loose plan to continue up the west coast, before crossing over the top of Scotland and returning down the east coast, back to the NE, but paddling and/or fishing as much as possible on the way round.

I prefer lures and flys myself. Also if you use bait you will almost certainly want to anchor. IMHO the associated risks and boredom outweigh the reward for dragging up some doggies. Source local knowledge and find out whats being caught and whats catching them. Anglers Afloat Forum is a good place (excuse the pun) to start. But mostly just enjoy being on the water and stay safe. It's not all about catching fish.

Hi Ken,
Thanks for the recommendation, I'll check out that site. Good luck with the rest of your trip. If you're passing by Aberdeenshire Thursday, Friday or Saturday next week and fancy a paddle give me a shout. My boat is more river tourer than full sea kayak so we should be similar speeds.

Hi Ken,
Thanks for the recommendation, I'll check out that site. Good luck with the rest of your trip. If you're passing by Aberdeenshire Thursday, Friday or Saturday next week and fancy a paddle give me a shout. My boat is more river tourer than full sea kayak so we should be similar speeds.

Cheers,
Mike

Mike,

I've been without wifi for a little while, so couldn't update you. I'm just south of Aberdeen at Stonehaven for tonight and was toying with staying a few days if the sea was ok, but it's not !!..... So I'm heading a bit further south in the morning.

I've been without wifi for a little while, so couldn't update you. I'm just south of Aberdeen at Stonehaven for tonight and was toying with staying a few days if the sea was ok, but it's not !!..... So I'm heading a bit further south in the morning.

Ken.

Hi Ken,
Sorry just seen your post. You made the right decision, I was out in Stonehaven bay Thursday evening, not in a kayak I hasten to add! and the sea was pretty big, due to get bigger on Sunday.

I left just after 0900 Thursday and the bay was quite rough conditions, with a stiff onshore wind. It would have been good training conditions, had I still been RNLI crew, but certainly not suitable for my fishing barge,